President Donald Trump's administration has advanced a plan to allow Saudi Arabia to access American nuclear technology, part of a broader push to expand U.S.-backed nuclear power globally. However, the deal has drawn scrutiny because Trump's family and political supporters could financially benefit from related projects.
According to a report by The New York Times on July 25, 2026, the Trump administration is negotiating a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi Arabia. The deal would permit the kingdom to enrich uranium, a capability that could potentially be used to develop nuclear weapons. Critics argue this poses a proliferation risk.
Financial disclosures reviewed by the Times show that Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who served as a senior adviser, has received funding from Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund for his investment firm, Affinity Partners. Additionally, several Trump allies and donors have ties to companies seeking nuclear contracts in the Middle East. The White House has denied any impropriety, stating that the deal is in the national interest.
As of July 2026, no final agreement has been signed. The administration is reportedly pushing to finalize the deal before the November midterm elections, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.
